Howdy! My name is Crystal and I'm a '28 from 1899.2 miles away in Fulshear, Texas hoping to study Biology on the pre-health track. Outside of being on the grind in my classes at Dartmouth, I enjoy dancing (poorly and with dance groups on campus), cooking (microwave oatmeal), and taking Buzzfeed quizzes to find out what breakfast food I am. While I'll miss Bucc-ee's and brisket from my native state, I'm beyond excited to explore all that the woods have to offer! Hopefully I'll see y'all around!
Chem 11 is my first pre-health course (and consequently my favorite course thus far); I came into Chem 11 with a bit of apprehension over what to expect since the course takes the place of the two-course alternative Chem 5 and 6 sequence. I’ll admit, there was a bit of a learning curve, especially since I hadn’t taken chemistry since junior year of high school, but Prof. Wenlin Zhang’s office hours have become an excellent way for me to gain a better grasp of the course content and work with other students through new concepts. I’m super glad that I chose this course for my first fall!
My First-Year Seminar, a Dartmouth requirement for all first-year students, concerns poetry that has a unique focus on the visual nature of the work. From pieces that cover an actual description of a work of art, to pieces that form a unique shape, we discuss how form can have a meaningful impact on the interpretation of the poem itself. I originally wasn’t too sure if I would enjoy this class since my experience with poetry is pretty sparse, but I found myself really enjoying the analytical discussions that we have. Features of the class include trips to the Hood Museum of Art and the Book Arts Workshop!
Something that I always find to be distinctive about Dartmouth's campus culture is the prevalence and focus on campus performance groups. I think that having such a small campus has really allowed all kinds of groups to flourish and gives students the opportunity to really find a community at Dartmouth that reflects their hobbies and interests. As such, when I came to Dartmouth, I knew that I wanted to continue dancing and performing, but I had no idea where to begin. Thankfully, I met lots of people during my first few weeks that gave me a good idea of what dance looked like at Dartmouth, so let me give you a rundown of what the experience is like!
First Sheba practice! #timeflies
1. Dance Groups and Where to Find Them:
There are nine student-led dance groups on campus, seven of which are audition-based, covering a wide variety of styles! Ujima and Sheba are hip-hop and audition based, Sugarplum and Fusion are contemporary/jazz and audition based, Raaz is South Asian-inspired and audition based, Soyeya is African-inspired and audition based, and Street Soul and Breakfast Club are hip hop and breakdancing and non-audition based. The Dartmouth Dance Team is Dartmouth's dance team for athletic events and they perform at football and basketball games. There's something for everyone! As someone who primarily focused on classical ballet and competition style jazz and contemporary dance in high school, I was a bit apprehensive about dance auditions since I loved what I did before coming to college but was also willing to try something new. Nonetheless, I felt like after watching the orientation show and speaking with the current members, I was able to make my decision and branch out into a new style. I'm on Sheba and while it's certainly a switch from what I'm used to, I find that the diversity of styles within the group make it so that I'm always learning something new, which I love! If being in a student group isn't your thing, no sweat! Dartmouth Dance Ensemble is Dartmouth's formal dance program that performs pieces throughout the year under the direction of Jonathan Heginbotham and Dartmouth Classical Ballet also hosts drop-in classes for students who want to learn more about ballet!
2. So…Auditions?:
Eek! Auditions can definitely be a scary thing to think about when it comes to the dance groups on campus. But I'll be here to tell you that everyone truly wants the best for you and that the process, while tiring, can be so incredibly fun and rewarding! My audition day was honestly one of the best parts of my fall term and I'm so glad that I partook in it! Done in just one day, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, the audition process is pretty straightforward, with three audition rounds where you audition pieces from four dance groups (Raaz and Soyeya audition on a different day), perform one or two short solos, and audition pieces from your final two dance groups. While the process is long, I did find it relieving that results came out that same day (waiting is the worst part!), and I appreciated how supportive each group was during the auditions! The environment was exciting and made me reminisce about the strength of the dance community that makes it all worth it!
Sheba newbie breakfast + tons of flair!
3. Performances, performances, performances:
For the most part, many of the student groups on campus will perform in Greek houses during the school year, but we have special performances that may be held in alternative spaces, such as Collis, the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or at on-campus performing spaces. I find that student turnout for shows can get pretty big, so be sure to get to the shows early to get a good spot! Seeing my friends after shows is always so rewarding and I look forward to the bonding moments before and after the shows with my team!
Newbie show 2K24!
4. Finding Community:
Like many first years, I was scared that I wouldn't find a tight community, but I feel as though throughout my Dartmouth dance experience, I've made so many close friends that I couldn't imagine my time here without them! Across dance groups, I've formed so many close relationships that have truly made my Dartmouth experience what it is, and I'm so glad that I made the leap and joined a dance group. Inside and outside of rehearsal, I know that I'll always have a group of people I connect with, and I find that to be an invaluable community that I am lucky enough to be a part of!
Sheba Shkate!
So should you join a dance group? I've personally found it to be an incredibly enriching part of my time here so far and I certainly look forward to my next few years alongside my dance group! Sometimes all you need is to try something new! Who knows? You just might love it! At least, I know I do!
Couldn't be happier!
Of course, my experience is not the only one! Even if you aren't interested in participating in a dance group during the school year, Sophomore Summer is a great opportunity to branch out and join a dance group! Check out Lauren '26's post, Reece '28's post, or Brendilou '26's post!
Dartmouth's Winter Carnival is a beloved tradition that brings the community together to celebrate winter with a wide range of fun activities, from thrilling ski races to unique events like the Polar Plunge and ice sculpture carving.
